National Portrait Gallery Vols. I - IV

[sar...@tcac.net]

I have a set of 4 books with deeply-tooled leather covers (VERY OLD).

Title page has rather extended text, as follows: "The National Portrait
Gallery of Distinguished Americans: With Biographical Sketches in Four
Volumes. In every age distinguished for arts and learning, the
inclination of transmitting the memory and even the features of
illustrious person to posterity, has uniformly prevailed. The greatest
poets, orators, and historians were contemporaries with the most
celebrated painters, statuaries, and engravers of gems and medals; and
the desire to be acquainted with a man's respect, has ever risen in
proportion to the known excellence of his character, and the admiration
of his writings. -- Granger, D. Rice & A.N. Hart, Philadelphia, 1856."

Reverse says: "Entered according to the Act of Congress, in this year
1852, by Edward Gaskill. In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Printed by T.K. & P.G Collins"

I would welcome any ideas about the origin/worth of these books. Will
provide a more detailed description (condition, etc.) by e-mail to those
who reply.

Thank you in advance!

Steve

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